Last for use in manufacture of rubber shoes.



No. 672,647." Patented Apr. 23, I90I.

' C. F.. PARKER.

LAST FOR USE IN MANUFACTURE OF RUBBER SHOES.

(Application filed May 14, 1900.)

( I0 Modal.)

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UNITED STATES PATENT Fries.

CHARLES F. PARKER, OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO THE ALUMINUM LAST & TREE COMPANY, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

LAST FOR USE IN MANUFACTURE OF RUBBER SHOES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 672,647, dated April 23, 1901.

- Application filed May 14, 1900.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, CHARLES F. PARKER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Somerville, in the county of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Lasts for Use in the Manufacture of Rubber Shoes, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

In the manufacture of boots or shoes formed wholly or partially of rubber the boots or shoes are subjected to heat in the process of vulcanizing. A last is employed upon which each boot or shoe is built up preparatory to being vulcanized. When wooden lasts are used, they crumble and shrink as a result of the heat to which they are subjected, and thus the last deteriorates, while the size of the boot or shoe produced on a given last varies considerably, according to the extent to which the last has been used, which is objectionable. Lasts formed from wood are also liable to crack and split and to become more or less distorted out of shape.

My invention has for its object to provide a last which shall be free from the objections above noted.

In the following description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, I have fully set forth my invention, and in the claims at the close of this specification I have pointed out and clearly defined the novel features thereof.

In the drawings, Figure l is a side elevation of a last embodying my invention. Fig.

V 2. is a central lengthwise section thereof Fig. 3 is a sectional detail showing a modification. 7

My improved last is formed in two parts, herein a top part A and a bottom part B, which are separated from each other, as indicated by the line 2. Each of these parts is preferably formed by casting, the metal employed being an alloy of aluminium, which forms a light strong casting, that is particularly desirable for this use. In casting the part B a metal rod or strut 3 may be placed in the core, so as to become incorporated in the casting and serve to strengthen the shell or part B at the ball portion of the last, al-

Seria1No.16,6l6. (No modeh.

though this rod is not necessary as a part of the last in all cases. For the purpose of securing the parts A and 13 together the part B is provided interiorly with preferably four projections or lugs 5, two of said lugs. being on each side of the last. These lugs project above the line 2, which indicates the upper edge of the part B, and their upper ends project over and lie against the inside of the part A. Screws 6 are then passed through the part A from the outside thereof and through each of the lugs 5, thus firmly securing part A to the part B. The part A is formed with one or more downwardly-projecting posts 7, which are cast tubular or drilled lengthwise, as at 8, forming sockets integral with said part A for the reception of the pins on which the last is supported during the vulcanizing operation. When the shoe is ready for vulcanizing, a series thereof is placed side by side on bars, each bar being provided with a series of pins formed and arranged to fit the holes 8. A number of these bars are arranged on a truck or carriage, so that they may be conveniently placed in or withdrawn from the vulcanizing-oven. For economy of room, 850., the shoes are placed near together on the bars and they require to be held firmly in position, lest they should touch, and thus become vulcanized together. By providing two holes in each last the last may be set on two pins, and thus held securely. As each of the holes 8 extends throughout the whole length of the post 7, a long bearing is had on each pin and the last secured against tilting or lateral movement. It is not necessary that two tubular'posts 7 be provided in each last, one of said posts being in most cases sufficient. When only one tubular post 7 is employed, there will be simply a pin-receiving hole through the top of the part A at the point where the other post is shown in the drawings. (See Fig. 3.)

I provide a slot 9 in the rear or heel end of the portion A. The said slot is designed to receive the edge of a supporting-bar which, under certain conditions, is used in place of the bar with pins. The said slot is inclined, so as to cause the last when on the bar to be held at an angle or incline.

By providing each last with the holes 8, as

also with the slot 9, it may be used with either more integral sockets 'for the receptionof a .projectingportions to-aunite the parts, andone 1 supporting bar or bars, substantially as described.

2. The 'improved'hollow metallic last, consisting of two parts,one thereof having around its edge projecting portions which overlapthe edge-of the other, screws engaging with said or more integral sockets for thereception of? a supporting bar or bars, substantially as de= scribed. t

3. The improved hollow metallic last, consisting of two parts,0ne thereof having around its edge projecting portions which fit within and overlap the edge of the other,-whereby the assembling of thesaid parts isfacilitated,

; screws engaging with said projecting portions, to unite the parts, and one or more inwardly-extending tubularposts integral with one of the said parts, substantially as de-' scribed.

In testimony whereof I affix my signaturein presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES PARKER} Witnesses WM. A. MACLEOD, CHAS. F. RANDALL. 

